AMD Announces SUSE Linux Support for Next-Generation Processors

February 28, 2002


- Linux kernel 2.6 to support AMD's x86-64 technology -

SUNNYVALE, CA

AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced that SUSE Linux AG, one of the world's leading providers of the Linux operating system, has submitted enhancements to the official Linux kernel to support AMD's x86-64 instruction set. The Linux kernel is the fundamental source code upon which all Linux operating systems are based.

AMD's next-generation processor, code-named "Hammer", is designed to provide unprecedented levels of performance for both 32-bit and 64-bit software applications. "Hammer" processor-based systems will grant business and home users the benefit of long-term investment protection as these systems are designed to enable seamless transition from a 32-bit to 64-bit environment. AMD expects to begin shipping the first version of the "Hammer" family of processors at the end of 2002.

SUSE Linux AG has been the primary developer working to add support of AMD's x86-64 technology to the Linux kernel, Linux development tools, and other Linux software. AMD expects the changes to be incorporated into Linux's retail operating systems based on the Linux kernel version 2.6 or later.

"We are excited to be working with AMD to support their next-generation processors based on the x86-64 technology. We have reached an important milestone today towards the future availability of 64-bit Linux operating systems on the "Hammer" platform," said Andreas Jaeger, lead project manager, SUSE Linux AG.

"With support for AMD's future processors in the official Linux tree, Linux users everywhere will appreciate being able to run their native x86-64 applications and their existing 32-bit x86 applications," said Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux.

"AMD continues to gain support from the Linux development community for applications as they build support for future 32- and 64-bit applications into the Linux operating system," said Wayne Meretsky, manager of Software R&D and AMD Fellow. "SUSE revisions to the Linux operating system are key to simultaneous support of 32-bit and 64-bit applications on the "Hammer" platform."

"The Linux community has supported AMD's x86-64 technology from the very beginning. We appreciate the feedback that SUSE and others have given to our "Hammer" processor engineering teams," said Richard Heye, vice president of Platform Engineering and Infrastructure for AMD's Computation Products Group. "AMD continues to work closely with Linux developers to help ensure that 64-bit applications and operating systems are available for use on the "Hammer" platform."


About AMD's x86-64 Technology

AMD's straightforward approach to 64-bit computing builds upon the x86 instruction set, one of the industry's most proven and widely supported technologies. AMD x86-64 technology is designed to support applications that address large amounts of physical and virtual memory, such as high performance servers, database management systems, and CAD tools. The x86-64 technology seamlessly integrates into the current computing and support environment, and is designed to enable enterprises to deploy high performance 64-bit capable systems. For additional information on the x86-64 instruction set, visit http://www.x86-64.org.

About AMD

AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia. AMD, a Fortune 500 and Standard & Poor's 500 company, produces microprocessors, flash memory devices, and support circuitry for communications and networking applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD had revenues of $3.9 billion in 2001. (NYSE: AMD).

About Novell
Novell, Inc. is a leading provider of information solutions that deliver secure identity management (Novell® Nsure™), Web application development (Novell exteNd™) and cross-platform networking services (Novell Nterprise™), all supported by strategic consulting and professional services (Novell NgageSM). Active in the open source community with its Ximian and SUSE Linux brands, Novell is firmly committed to open source and offers comprehensive Linux products and services for the enterprise, from the desktop to the server. Novell's vision of one Net - a world without information boundaries - helps customers realize the value of their information securely and economically. For more information, call Novell's Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272) or visit http://www.novell.com. Press should visit http://www.novell.com/pressroom.

Novell is a registered trademarks; Nsure, exteNd and Nteprise are trademarks; and Ngage is a service mark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SUSE is a registered trademark of SUSE Linux AG. * All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.